In the wake of the wildfires that devastated Southern California at the beginning of 2025, a photo of a blue and white 1977 Volkswagen Microbus standing seemingly unscathed against the backdrop of a Malibu neighborhood’s burned homes went viral. That indelible image of the defiant VW, photographed by Mark J. Terrill of the Associated Press, became a symbol of resilience and strength at a time when so many across the region were hurting.
Although it appeared to be in perfect condition at the time, the reality was that the air-cooled classic sustained more than a little fire damage and was going to need some serious work. After the photo was picked up by news outlets across the nation, Volkswagen decided to locate the owner for a restoration as a gesture of goodwill (and PR) in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The two-tone bus belonged to surf and skateboard designer Megan Krystle Weinraub, who had bought the VW from surfboard-maker Preston Martin. Weinraub named the Microbus “Azul” after taking ownership because of its distinctive blue and white color scheme.
Photo by Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press
The Restoration Process
After securing the correct permissions to retrieve the vehicle from the disaster zone, VW transported the Type 2 (T2) Microbus to its Volkswagen Group of America facility in Oxnard, California, for restoration. In an unusual move for an automaker, Volkswagen didn’t go for a concours-grade overhaul. Instead, VW’s team decided to honor the Microbus’ history and restore it to like-new status while keeping the customizations made by its owners.
Volkswagen worked with GE Kundensport, a restoration company specializing in classic Porsche sports cars, on the project. First, it was sanded down to bare metal, and the bodywork was straightened out before the exterior was repainted. Volkswagen went with the Pastel White color from its existing catalog and developed a custom Ocean Blue color for the van’s lower portion, given that Azul didn’t have a factory paint job before the fire. The most knowledgeable VW enthusiasts will notice that the white grille is color-matched to the top instead of the lower body—another personal touch that VW maintained with the restoration. Technicians installed a new roof rack in place of the van’s torched solar panels.
New windows, seals, trim pieces, and vent window frame assemblies were replaced, and the door hinge, latch, and roller mechanisms also needed to be swapped out. Some of the exterior lights had melted, so Volkswagen replaced the lenses and fixtures with an OEM+ halogen setup. It sourced the tires with period-correct sizing and aesthetics in mind.
The interior of the Microbus received a deep refresh since the rear windows had broken during the fire and smoke damage occurred. Houndstooth fabric was installed to match the van’s old textiles, and while VW kept the original dash, it’s now finished in black vinyl to reduce glare. Technicians replaced the air vents and installed a new radio. Azul’s previous owner slept in the Microbus for a year during college, so Volkswagen kept its camper van configuration and installed a new stowable bed.
When Weinraub parked her car before the fires, she chose the location because she was learning how to drive manual and wanted to leave it somewhere flat. The 1977 Microbus was still in running condition when Volkswagen picked it up, with the original fuel-injected engine and transmission. In fact, the team drained 11 gallons of fuel that miraculously hadn’t exploded before getting to work. After running tests, technicians determined the bus had some air leaks and vacuum holes, which it replaced, along with adding a new catalytic converter and a ceramic coated exhaust.
Volkswagen said its repairs touched about 50 percent of the T2 bus with over 900 parts repaired or replaced. Other refreshed components included a new instrument cluster and a high-performance polymer engine compartment decklid with high-temperature powder- and ceramic coatings. The work isn’t done yet, but Azul runs and drives. A peeling sticker reading “Caution: Close all windows after 140 mph” on the dash was thankfully saved during the restoration, which prior owner Preston Martin had insisted was never to be removed.
Azul on Display
It could be argued that no vehicle is more representative of Southern California lifestyle than the Volkswagen Microbus, and this restored Type 2’s unique story only burnishes its already iconic reputation. You can see the overhauled Azul for yourself at the Los Angeles auto show through Sunday, November 30 before it heads to the Petersen Automotive Museum for a short period from December 4, 2025, to January 11, 2026.
After its time in the spotlight, Weinraub’s bus is slated to return to her, and her plans are in line with the free-spiritedness one would expect from a surfer. When asked what’s next, Weinraub says she’ll “drive around town and see where the wind blows us.” Here’s hoping that when Azul returns to blowing around Malibu, its presence will continue to serve as a symbol of recovery for the rebuilding region.